With the latest issue of Gitterbomb, Glitterbomb: The Fame Game #1 set to be released on the 20th of September, we are joined by the Gitterbomb team of Jim and Djibril to talk about all things Glitterbomb.
One of my favourite parts of your comics is your back matter. In Glitterbomb, the essays really gave substance to the story you were telling. Are there plans to continue with these essays in The Fame Game?
Jim: I’m happy to say that Holly Raychelle Hughes is back writing more back matter material for The Fame Game. She’ll be focusing on broader Hollywood topics like agents, producers, and the push and pull of working in the entertainment business. Lots of great stuff coming to help give more gravity to the comic story.
The colours by K. Michael Russel are phenomenal. They are subtle but the readers eye is always drawn to the exact right place. Likewise, the letters by Marshall Dillon are done in a way that never impedes the art. How important was it for you to keep the same creative team in order to maintain the same aesthetic across both books?
Jim: We’re not breaking up the band. No way. The whole team is integral to the look and feel of the series and I’m so happy Kurt and Marshall are on board with us the whole way. As you said, they each bring their own sensibilities to the page and help build a ton of texture and atmosphere.
You’ve both done a ton work with Marvel since the last mini ended. What’s it been like to get back to working together and returning to the world of Glitterbomb.
Djibril: For me, Glitterbomb stays my favorite project to work on. The beauty of creator owned to me is how invested I am in the characters I help to create. That’s a feeling I don’t really have when working on already established characters.
Jim: I thoroughly enjoy writing superhero stories, but the unfettered possibilities that come from making Glitterbomb makes it extra special. With each new issue, I want to keep growing, leveraging what I’ve learned out at Marvel to make Glitterbomb even more intense and engaging.
What other comics are you currently reading?
Jim: I’m on the “continuity track” at Marvel, so I get sent every issue as they go off to press to make sure I’m keeping up with changes happening in the MU. It’s a fun kind of homework, but it takes up a lot of my reading time.
Beyond that, I try to sample a lot of different titles from DC, Image, IDW, and other independents to see what’s out there.
Djibril: I’ve unfortunately almost completely stopped reading comics lately, due to a lack of time. Though I did pick up a couple of issues of Mother Panic for Tommy Lee Edward’s and John Paul Leon’s artwork.
If Glitterbomb was optioned as a movie or TV show who would your dream cast be for Farrah, Kaydon and Detective Rahal?
Jim: I try not to let myself get carried away with daydreaming about media possibilities, to be honest. Dream casting isn’t something that intrigues me. If we’re fortunate enough to be adapted into another medium, great. I’ll dig in then and see who’s out there. Before that, I’ll just stick with building the comic.
Djibril: I don’t really know… Off the top of my head, I’d say maybe Marisa Tomei as Farrah, Quvenzhané Wallis as Kaydon and Said Taghmaoui as Detective Rahal.
Jim, Wayward has just past issue #22 which is quite something given the current saturation of books on stands every Wednesday. Do you have an idea as to how many issues you want to do with it? How’s development of the TV show by Manga Entertainment going?
Jim: 20+ issues are a rarity for a creator-owned title in the current market, that’s for sure. Steven and I are planning at least 30 issues, though I’d be happy to have more than that and dig deeper into some of the endgame material if the show goes into production.
In terms of the Wayward show, things are progressing well. Manga Entertainment is nailing down financing and discussing format and schedule possibilities with several production studios. I completed work on a story bible that details the characters and my overall story plan. Steven recently completed reference art so the producers can easily show off our characters and creatures.
What else do you have out currently or in the pipeline that our readers can check out?
Djibril: Other than Glitterbomb, I’ll be releasing a graphic novel online for free in the coming months (soon to be announced).
Jim: In addition to Glitterbomb and Wayward, I’m writing Uncanny Avengers for Marvel and Dungeons & Dragons: Frost Giant’s Fury for IDW. I’m excited for readers to see what I have planned for 2018.
Do either of you have a message for the ComicBuzz readers?
Jim: We couldn’t do it without supportive readers and retailers. Thank you for reading and telling your friends about my work!
Djibril: Thanks to everyone who read the first volume of Glitterbomb and made it possible for us to keep exploring the twisted world of Hollywood.
Glitterbomb: The Fame Game #1 will be available on September 20th 2017.
We would like to thank Jim and Djibril for their time.
What about…Husband, Father and High School Teacher. Dreams of being a time travelling spy averting the robot apocalypse. When not geeking out enjoys creating music and watching cars go round and round a track. Waiting patiently for Timon and Pumbaa to enter the MCU. Overthinker.
